expanding search for 4runner to second gen

timmy96815

New member
Hi Everybody, I posted in the 3rd gen forum for advice looking for a 4runner. Now I have been looking for a couple of weeks and everybody is over blue book here in honolulu, I am going to look for now at xterras and 2nd gen 4runners. Maybe I will stumble upon a good one.

My question is: Is there anything I should be watching out for like the 3.0 moter. Is there anything else or common problems with the 2nd gen. Is one year better than another.

thanks again everybody for the help with my search.

Jeff
 
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Hi Everybody, I posted in the 3rd gen forum for advice looking for a 4runner. Now I have been looking for a couple of weeks and everybody is over blue book here in honolulu, I am going to look for now at xterras and 2nd gen 4runners. Maybe I will stumble upon a good one.

My question is: Is there anything I should be watching out for like the 3.0 moter. Is there anything else or common problems with the 2nd gen. Is one year better than another.

thanks again everybody for the help with my search.

Jeff

qUOTE : " i AM LOOKING FOR A 2ND GENERATION 4RUNNER ...MAYBE I WILL STUMBLE ACROSS A GOOD ONE.

now that is comedic gold...Looking for 2nd generation 4runner that is a G1 , is like looking for a honest american president.

I honestly suggest you research all the problems with the 2nd gen 4 runners before you buy. My damn bicycle has been more dependable then my 4runner and it has more power...LOL...

If you can find a 2nd gen for under kelly blue book , then you may not lose money on resale..if you can find a dunce like me, who would buy it.

This is the first toyota vehicle I have ever owned, that I can honestly say is GARBAGE.
 
seriously though...how mechanical are you ? Do you have a large tool kit ? Do you have 4 feet of socket extensions with swivels ? You will need it to change the starter.

Can you change rear springs ? These 4runners are known for having saggy rears that look terrible

Are you prepared to deal with leaking head gaskets ?> replacing timing belts ?

do you like poor gas mileage in a time where gas may be going to $5 a gallon ?

do you like a engine that is lethargic with poor power and acceleration ?

Do you like a rear window that is known to not function over a period of time ?

Hey, im just getting started...My 2nd gen -4runner has all these suprises..and more.

G/L !
 
So let's have a cooler head reply to some of these questions. And remember, this is a vehicle that's at least 17 years old.


seriously though...how mechanical are you ? Do you have a large tool kit ? Do you have 4 feet of socket extensions with swivels ? You will need it to change the starter. Starters go out on other vehicles too. So, it's possible you may need to change that on anything you buy.

Can you change rear springs ? These 4runners are known for having saggy rears that look terrible. Can be fixed for under $200. Springs do wear out over time. I'm replacing mine with a set of OME HD springs in a few months.

Are you prepared to deal with leaking head gaskets ?> replacing timing belts ? Timing belts need to be changed every 90,000 mile I believe. If the head gasket was already replaced under warranty, you should be fine. Don't quote me on that last part though. Hopefully someone more experienced will chime in

do you like poor gas mileage in a time where gas may be going to $5 a gallon ? I'm getting between 16-19 mpg right now on my 160,000 mile engine on hilly highways. I'm sure I could get it over 20 mpg if I adjust my driving a little.

do you like a engine that is lethargic with poor power and acceleration? I do wish the engine had a little more power when driving up a mountain. That's the worst thing about this engine. It still gets me from point A to point B, so I just live with that part.

Do you like a rear window that is known to not function over a period of time ? If that ever does happen, and I haven't seen any posts here yet about it, just find used parts at a salvage yard or from someone on here parting out a 2nd Gen.

Hey, im just getting started...My 2nd gen -4runner has all these suprises..and more.

G/L !
 
seriously though...how mechanical are you ? Do you have a large tool kit ? Do you have 4 feet of socket extensions with swivels ? You will need it to change the starter.

Can you change rear springs ? These 4runners are known for having saggy rears that look terrible

Are you prepared to deal with leaking head gaskets ?> replacing timing belts ?

do you like poor gas mileage in a time where gas may be going to $5 a gallon ?

do you like a engine that is lethargic with poor power and acceleration ?

Do you like a rear window that is known to not function over a period of time ?

Hey, im just getting started...My 2nd gen -4runner has all these suprises..and more.

G/L !

Hahaha Rumme, I got a laugh out of that. My tool kit is small, I have done all those repairs except the head gasket, and rear window. Should be able to handle. The thing is I want a vehicle that I don't have to do anything to. Thanks for the helpful response. I have and will be calling around offering blue book prices. Found one I may call today. But it is 3rd gen. (my first pick) here it is

What does everybody think?

1997 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5,V6,Hwy mi,Super clean i/o!!!
 
A 3rd gen 4runner is far superior to the 2nd gen for day to day driving. I don't have anything against the 2nd gen really other than they are commonly equipped with the 3.0 V6. If you can find a 2nd gen with the 22RE and a 5 speed, those would be the ones to get.
 

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